Balitaan Newsletter 49, Fall 2009 www.rpcvphilippines.org PO Box 100114, Arlington, VA 22210

New grads Change of Treasurer Unsmooth sailing Looking ahead Help from donors Remembering Cory Three Foundation Stephen We hear how things can Aries Astilo, A listing of donors since Recalling scholars – Ailyn Acosta, Dienstfrey, go wrong – flunking a leader of the our last issue, and a President John Paul Lagod, Cath- named course, getting caught PCAFPD’s report on the generous Aquino’s erine Tumaob –win PCAFPD in a flood, running low Scholars and response to a September visit to the degrees,in educa- Treasurer on cash, all part of Alumni As- appeal for “stimulus 25th Peace tion,agriculture and as Stu current student experi- sociation, funds.” Corps accountancy. Taylor ence. talks about Pages 7, 8, 9 reunion in Page 7 leaves after 10 years, Pages 1, 2, 4, 6 the future – his and the 1986. files his first report. group’s Page 5 Page 6 Page 7

also affected our studies, with a one-week As I was walking to the Light Rail Tran- Coping with Ondoy: suspension of classes. sit station the water was high, right up to There was one Saturday I will never for- my chest, but it was too late to turn back ‘One Saturday I will get. It was raining heavily. Although our so I continued even though it was freez- never forget’ classes were suspended, the announce- ing cold and my body was shaking. ment came too late for many of the stu- But I was able to get home safely late dents already at school. that evening. Like many other Filipinos Von Ryn Garcia, from Sorsogon, is As I was heading home, I found the whose homes were devastated and their majoring in information technology at campus covered with water. I thought I loved ones lost, we remained strong. the University of the East. could manage to walk through the I started my second semester full of de- flood, but I was termination and eagerness to learn all the wrong; I decided to Sending help to skills and knowledge in all my major and stay on campus for minor subjects. When my professors dis- a while. typhoon victims cussed a certain topic I religiously lis- Our school gave tened to them and when there was a part us snacks and ad- To help those who suffered in the recent that I didn’t understand I researched it vised students not Philippine storms, one way is to make through books and open sources on the to go home until the donations through the Ayala Foundation Internet. flooding subsided. USA, a 501(c)(3) charity where contribu- As our lessons grew more and more dif- I decided to go tions are tax-deductible. Their website: ficult and complicated, I also learned how home that afternoon since I was getting http://www.af-usa.org/ to cope by continuously studying and worried and hungry. My money is only Another group rendering aid is Habitat practicing at home or at school. enough for me to commute going home for Humanity, which is constructing pre- When typhoon Ondoy hit us here in but not enough for staying overnight at fab toilets and transition homes for vic- Metro Manila at the end of September, it school since I can’t afford to buy food for tims of the typhoon. Their website: not only caused massive destruction but breakfast. http://www.habitat.org.ph/site/index.php

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BALITAAN U.S. $10.50] per week as my allowance Tripped up by plus the living allowance that the scholar- Going alone, ship gives to me. From that living allow- ance, I get the payment for the apartment a decimal point where I stay, which is 1,000 pesos (about helping others $21) per month for five months a semes- Erika Rachelle O. Lopez is a civil engi- ter; what’s left is what I add to my weekly Rachel C. Briones from Cavite is major- neering student at the University of the allowance. I don’t ask my parents for the ing in Organizational Communications at -Los Baños. She is from apartment rent because I don’t want to University of the Philippines, Diliman. Batangas. give them another problem. They’re al- ready having a hard time giving me my This was a great semester! At first, it I can almost feel that I am an engineer. allowance every week. was really hard to cope with new chal- Our courses this semester are all majors Anyway, back to the soil engineering lenges and experiences. It was the first and had exercises and activities in our class. I was required to take the final ex- time that I lived away from my family. I classes like the real thing – things that amination and needed 95% to pass the cooked my own food, ironed my clothes civil engineers do. subject or 84.5% to take the removals [a and kept a tight budget. This semester gave me the realization of process that allows a student to "remove" It was also the first time that I traveled what kind of civil engineer will I be. I a non-passing grade from the final re- to Manila alone. There were times when I will take the major of transportation engi- cords – Ed.]. The percent needed to pass felt sad because I missed talking with my neer when I start my master’s degree was too high so I mom about how my day went. It’s good work. Our professor is really great. I idol- aimed for the re- that my dorm-mates were helpful. They ize him for being so knowledgeable of his movals. I got 81% became my family in Manila. field. He makes me appreciate transporta- on the final ex- Our subjects were a bit difficult and it tion engineering to the fullest. aminations. Too was really hard to get high grades. I re- He’s teaching not only the theoretical bad I was not able member what our math professor told us. things but as well as his experiences of to read from the He said that learning is more important his career, which is more important. The instructions that than getting high grades and that if you grades and diploma count but what is we must use three aim to learn, good grades will follow. more important is the experience and the decimal places on I loved our National Service Training familiarity with your field, because it is our final answers – Program class. Our NSTP professor the application in the real world, not just I used only two decimal places so got just helped us understand how we, as Organi- on papers. partial points. That mistake made me not zational Communication students, could In our transportation engineering class, qualified to take the removal exam. contribute to our country’s development. we experienced examining the design of We discussed how communication helped roads and passed judgment on it. We had I talked to our professor and asked him in alleviating problems like poverty, un- our own recommendations on how to de- to give me another chance since the mis- employment, education and natural ca- velop and make the roads convenient for take is so minimal and the score was so lamities. road users. On our field trip, we went to close. I did the right things on the compu- During these past the North Luzon Expressway and there tation. I had the correct solution. I asked months, I had sev- we learned a lot of how they control and him that if he let me take the removal ex- eral opportunities facilitate the traffic and assure the safety amination, he could raise the passing to give service. I of the road users. score for my case like up to 80% or 90% joined our church The other subjects are also fun except when the normal passing score is 60%. community service for one – our soil engineering class. The But he was too firm and did not gave me project. We cleaned professor gives us problems on our ex- the chance. I can’t believe that a matter of the surroundings of aminations that he has not really and fully 3.5% will make me fail a subject. a public school. We explained to us. Almost all of us have not also gave short a failed anything until this subject and this I hope you will still give me another lecture on basic professor came into our lives. chance and let me prove myself. I’ve reading to a group of children in a com- I must admit it that I truly had a hard been a scholar for more than three years munity. Last September, I had an oppor- time in this subject for so many reasons, and thank you for all the support you tunity to help in the relief operations of like not appreciating it because of the gave and are still giving me. I just need our school for Ondoy tyhoon victims. I professor, the torturous exams and the your understanding and forgiveness this also donated food, water and clothes. fact that I’ve been sick a lot this semester. time. I can still make it to graduate on Now we are raising funds for students I believe my sickness was because of the time if I take the summer class this com- that were affected by the flood. On the stresses on my academics, family and ing April. I’m almost done. Only three first week of December, we will buy other problems. semesters left to finish the degree. Please books and other school supplies as My parents give me 500 pesos [about continue being my second parent! Christmas presents for those students.

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BALITAAN thing is to keep it. And keeping it is even harder than finding it. Recently, I inter- Grad scholar viewed some people of my age for a job as a trainer in my company. When I asked who leads them about opportunities, they would say, “There are no opportunities (i.e., jobs) in the country.” Hence, they have plans to alums looks go abroad. It seems they are looking at a doughnut– my country is the hole, and abroad is the cake. I am thankful to God at the future for giving me several opportunities. But I knew he would not give them to me that Ariestelo A. Asilo, a 2007 graduate of easily, I have to learn to face and outma- the University of the Philippines Los neuver adversity, like what I am experi- Baños, has been heading the PCAFPD’s encing now. Life is tough. Scholars and Alumni Association (PSAA). A nutrition major, he worked after What exactly is PSAA and where do graduation as a research assistant with a you think the organization is going or UPLB-UNICEF project and taught at De should be going? La Salle University in Lipa City, Batan- gas. Hans Groot, PCAFPD vice presi- The PSAA was founded by the PCAFPD dent of institutional relations, and when [President] Maureen Caroll and PCAFPD President Maureen Carroll re- [Vice President] Carol Radomski came to cently asked Aries to discuss the PSAA the Philippines in 2005. Lloyd Vecinal, and his role in it. Rachel Delfin, Retchel Edang and I vol- unteered to initiate the establishment of a Tell us of your background—home Ariestelo A. Asilo of Batangas is a 2007 scholars and alumni group. With the as- town, family, and such. graduate of UP Los Baños. sistance of [PCAFPD Vice President/ Philippines] Roland de Jesus and I was born and grew up in Bauan, something that has a strong socio- [PCAFPD Board Member] Alex Romero, Batangas. I am the eldest of three chil- economic background. And lastly, I will the PSAA came into being. dren. I went to an elementary school in engage my own family to assist me to run Bauan and graduated from Bauan Techni- the company and eventually share some- Who belongs to PSAA, how many ac- cal High School, where I learned about thing to others. That might sound so ideal tive members do you have and what is the PCAFPD through [PCV] Ann Mee- but for now, I am focused with my first the purpose of the organization? han. Through PCAFPD, I was able to fin- immediate goal – establish my own com- ish my bachelor's degree in Nutrition at pany. There are seven active groups, or clus- the University of the Philippines Los ters (geographic groupings where there Baños. After my graduation, I passed the What are your interests outside of are a number of PCAFPD alumni or cur- board exam and was hired as a research work? Hobbies? Favorite activities? rent scholars). I lost track of the exact assistant for a UPLB-UNICEF project: number of active members when cluster- "Iron Deficiency Anemia in the I love reading business books, and nov- ing was established. But, there are now Philippines." els like that of John Grisham, W.B. Grif- around 60 members and half are active. fin, and Sionil Jose. Presently, I am read- However, being “active” varies. Since What are currently doing professional- ing “Talking Straight” by Lee Iococca. I 2005, I learned that each member of the ly? What are your long-range goals? love cooking, especially gourmet foods. I family has his own way of being active. love to experiment. I also love to travel. I Some are really so loquacious, others are After my reseacher stint at UPLB, I was like meeting new people, learning their like wind – you can’t see them, but I hired as a part-time college faculty at De culture and discovering their places. And know, they’re just there. La Salle Lipa in Batangas for a year. Cur- on the side too, I am writing a book. It's The purpose of the PSAA is twofold – rently, I am pursuing my first business. experimental. Maybe I'll have it published first, to engage those clusters/groups to Together with my senior partner, I have after five years or so. provide assistance to each other, espe- been establishing a Training and Consul- cially for those incoming and present tancy Center for merchant marines since How would you describe opportunities scholars. This is what we called the March of this year. I have three long- for young people today in thePhilip- Buddy System – scholars/alumni provid- range goals – first, to establish my own pines? ing mentoring to fellow scholars. Second, company within the next three years. this Buddy System will be the way for Secondly, once I have a robust company Opportunities are just there. But to seize each cluster to do a community activity. of my own, I will solidify my family into them is hard. Once you seize it, the next .(Continued on next page)

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BALITAAN munication and geographical constraints. Do you think that PSAA could someday Grad scholar We overlooked the advantage of the administer the PCAFPD available technology. Now that almost all program in the Philippines? (Continued from Page 3) people have at least one mobile phone This activity will be the showcase of their and have easy access to Internet, I de- Yes, PSAA could do that. PSAA mem- abilities and, of course, a way to learn cided to lessen the Manila meetings and bers even insisted on sponsoring a scholar from and gain experience in their own instead delegated the tasks to the clusters. – someday. But it will take time. Let's say communities. And it worked. The clusters responded after 10 more years. That will be more enthusiastically and it surprised me how realistic. I believe that we still have a lot How are these clusters managed and do fast they began organizing themselves. to learn. We have to have a very strong you have any examples of mentoring, There are still face-to-face meetings, foundation so by the time that we embark the buddy system in practice, or cluster aside from virtual meetings. Provincial on more mature endeavors like PSAA projects? clusters do that. The National Capital Re- administering the PCAFPD program, we gion cluster is now in charge of the regis- will have a strong system to do that. Cur- Each cluster has a PSAA head who di- tration of PSAA to the SEC (Securities rently, the PSAA clusters have to effi- rectly communicates with me. Then the and Exchange Commission). ciently and effectively carry out the heads communicate with the scholars/ Buddy System and Community Outreach alumni in their area. The buddy system Why do you need SEC registration? Projects. I believe that these two things paved the way for them to know their co- are important to prepare us for a larger scholars, who are often at the same In my experience, nobody would recog- responsibility in the future. school. Some are at St. Mary’s University, nize you unless you are legally listed as for example. Karl Soriano is an active an NGO. Once the PSAA is duly recog- Scholarship means member of their student organization and nized as an NGO, we can do activities he has the capability to engage and gather like fund-raising and forging of alliances no more fee fears the PCAFPD scholars there. In Bicol, with other youth groups. The PSAA can handle these activities for the next five to Michelle Laurinaria, a social work major Liwa Claire V. Alesna, from Zambo- who is now taking her internship, has a 10 years when it should have a strong pool of members.. anga del Norte, is studying agriculture at very good grasp of community-approach Visayas State University, Baybay, Leyte. projects. She meets with the other mem- bers either in Albay or in Sorsogon. In You seem to be the guiding force be- hind PSAA and you have served as its Projects, contributions, handouts, books Negros, Jean Estrellado gathers the group and other materials are students’ common and they assist Sancho Flores in his Sun- chairman for quite some time. At what point do you think the organization will problems here at Visayas State University. day volunteer teaching program. Last You have to pay attention or risk an year, with the assistance of Geri Mai- be on solid enough footing so that you can turn over the reigns? “INC.” grade. You have to buy handouts atico, Roland De Jesus and Hans Groot, or books, for instance, to study in order to the PSAA landed in the top three finalists pass that particular subject. Of course it of the British Council Changemaker Pro- Am I? I think it’s the other way around. involves money. Sometimes, due to lack ject Competition. The project was headed The members have supported me since of money, you can’t buy by Rico Ancog of the Cavite, Laguna, PSAA’s conception in 2005. From then those references, which Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon cluster. on, I feel that I have had the obligation to are very important for Then, last summer, Krisna Ocong of Na- direct the group to a much better footing. your studies. tional Capital Region cluster conducted a For four years now, the PSAA is getting As a PCAFPD scholar, summer ballet program in Manila. Rica stronger through the cooperation of the I consider this opportu- Pelicano of Leyte and Ian Maque of Min- scholars and alumni. I can say that we are nity a great help for my danao are currently organizing their own not yet robust enough at this point. studies. Having an al- clusters. I see a cycle. The PSAA is banking on lowance every semester the present scholars who would continue means I can now buy PSAA started with more or less regular what the PSAA has started. All of the or- handouts to study in advance. Through meetings in Makati of members who live ganization’s members have great potential this, it helps me to gain confidence and in the greater Manila area. What hap- to lead. But that is not a question of who be able to participate in class discussions pened? Are there no more face-face would be the next chairman. It’s a ques- and oral recitation – unlike before when I meetings and, if not, how do members tion of willingness. And among these always depended on others. Now when communicate with each other? willing leaders, the next question is about our teacher assigns us projects it’s no passion and enthusiasm to lead. longer a burden for me. The initial plan during those meetings From there, he would know if he could This scholarship really helps me a lot. It was for the Greater Manila area cluster to preserve and not just continue what the lessens my problems and helps me to oversee the organizing of the provincial PSAA has started. All cluster heads now study with peace of mind, knowing that I clusters. But it did not work due to com- are capable of it. don’t have to worry about my school fees.

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BALITAAN USDA employees to support scholar

A group of employees of the U.S. De- partment of Agriculture has pledged to support a USDA Scholar through the PCAFPD. The USDA employees will support the scholar through four years of undergradu- ate study in any field of agriculture or in related areas such as forestry, natural re- sources management, or rural develop- ment. Most of the USDA employees who have pledged support have served as Peace Corps Volunteers in the Philippines; oth- ers work on USDA programs in the Phil- ippines or are interested in the country’s development. Most have not been regular contributors to the PCAFPD. Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg presents Phil- ing a reception for President Aquino at the The PCAFPD Board of Directors ex- ippine President Corazon Aquino with a bust John F. Kennedy Memorial Library on Sept. pressed gratitude for the generous pledge of her father, President John F. Kennedy, dur 20, 1986. (UPI Photo/Alan Altman/Files) and encourages other agencies, associa- tions and groups to consider this new model of workplace sponsorship. Remembering Cory Aquino Former scholar Following the death in August of for- cos after her husband, Benigno S. Aqui- wins water award mer Philippines President Corazon noAquino Jr., a chief challenger to Mr. Aquino, PCAFPD Board Member Sarah Marcos, was assassinated in 1983. McMeans signed the condolence book at Rico Ancog, a former PCAFPD scholar the Philippine Embassy in Washington, After Mr. Marcos claimed victory in a from Bohol, recently presented a paper at D.C., with the following statement: 1986 election that Ms. Aquino was the 7th International Symposium on widely believed to have won, she organ- Southeast Asian Water “On behalf of the Peace Corps Alumni ized huge rallies that helped drive him Environment in Thailand. Foundation for Philippine Development, I from office. Her ascension to office was express my condolences at the passing of seen as a high point in modern Philippine He graduated in 2004 in Cory Aquino. environmental science history. from Central Mindanao The Peace Corps community was hon- th Over the next six years she staved off University and has been ored when she spoke at its 25 anniver- sary conference in 1986. Her restoration multiple coup attempts while restoring a studying in Nagoya, Ja- freely elected parliament and independent pan. of democracy in the Philippines was an inspiration to the whole world.” judiciary. But she did not lead the social “I am happy to share revolution some had hoped for, failing to that out of the 41 paper The New York Times, in an article on institute effective land reform or to ad- presenters from different countries, I got her life, said this: dress the concentration of power over the the Award for Asian Young Professional Corazon C. Aquino was the president of country's politics. on Water Research. I am really happy for the Philippines for six years, after being this one,” he writes. swept into office on a wave of "people The popular movement that brought Ms. Rico also has an M.S. in environmental power" in 1986. Ms. Aquino then led the Aquino to power set a difficult precedent science from UP Los Baños, helped by country through a difficult transition to in the Philippines, where people nostalgic PCAFPD funding. He is at UP Los Baños democracy after two decades of autocratic for their shining moment continue to see studying for a doctorate under a Philip- rule under Ferdinand Marcos. She died on mass movements as an acceptable, if un- pines Department of Science and Tech- Aug. 1, 2009. Ms. Aquino became a constitutional, answer to the difficulties nology scholarship. popular symbol of opposition to Mr. Mar- of a flawed democratic system.

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BALITAAN How’d we do, dollar-wise, in FY ’09?

By Stephen Dienstfrey is the interest on our various checking and savings accounts PCAFPD Treasurer which came to $423.25 or just over 1% of all revenues. As would be expected, our largest expense is direct aid to Before I get into the details of where your money was spent our scholars in the form of tuition, fees, book, uniforms, sup- over the last year, I would like to thank former Treasurer Stu plies and living allowances. Last year this area accounted for Taylor for all of his hard work over the past years. In addi- 80% of our expenses for a total of $26,587.17. Balitaan, the tion, he has made the transition for me into this new role as newsletter – which meets the third goal of the Foundation to painless as possible. Now to business. "inform the American public about Philippine persons, mat- PCAFPD uses a fiscal year (FY) that corresponds to the ters, and issues, including the work of the Foundation in the Philippine school year and runs from May 1 to April 30. Dur- Philippines" – accounted for almost 9% of all expenses. Our ing the last FY the Foundation had revenues of $34,944 and administrative expenses in the were $1,877.82 expenses of $33,418.15. (6%). The administrative expenses in the Philippines ac- Direct individual contributions, those little envelopes you counted for the remaining $2,083.15 (6%) get a few times a year, account for more than four-fifths of all In addition, the Foundation has reserve funds to cover the revenues. In the last year they amounted to $28,895 or about administrative expenses necessary to complete our commit- 83% of the total revenue. Indirect individual contributions ment to all current scholars in the event the Foundation is no (through the National Peace Corps Association and the Net- longer able to fund new scholars. While our revenues were work for Good) were $1,625.75 or just under 5%. In addi- greater than our expenses, they were not comfortably greater. tion, we received $4,000 (a little over 12%) from several or- ganizations that have been kind enough to support our work PCAFPD really needs your support to continue to fund de- by sponsoring individual scholars. The last source of revenue serving scholars in these tough financial times

FISCAL YEAR 2008-09 FINANCIAL REPORT Revenues Expenses Direct Individual Donations $28,895.00 Newsletter printing/postage $ 2,869.00 Indirect Individuals Donations 1,625.75 US Administrative Costs 1,877.82 Group Donations 4,000.00 Scholar Costs 26,587.17 Interest 432.25 Philippine Administrative Costs 2,083.15 Total Revenues $34,944.00 Total Expenses $33,418.14

Contribution to Reserves: $1,525.86

Estephen takes over from Estu as Treasurer By Maureen Carroll sues. In addition, he eral years. Always helpful and pleas- PCAFPD President and his wife, Francie, ant, with a delightful sense of humor, have generously Stu is dear to the hearts of his fellow hosted many of our board members and most people he For the past 10 years, Stuart Taylor special board meet- meets. (Albay 1961-63), known as “Estu” in ings to assemble Stu deserves the break he seeks, and the Philippines, has served as treasurer newsletters and select we are fortunate to have found an ex- for PCAFPD. A man of great integrity scholars. cellent replacement. He will remain a and few words, Stu has diligently kept A California native, Friend of the Foundation along with the books, paid our bills, transferred Stu has lived in others who cannot serve on the board funds to the Philippines, prepared Maryland for many but who help us out on specific occa- board reports on our financial situa- Stu Taylor years. Following his sions. tion, filed IRS reports and provided retirement from Procter & Gamble, he Enter Stephen Dienstfrey. Steve was valuable and practical input on a wide has been teaching in Montgomery a Volunteer from 1965 to 1967 at the range of PCAFPD activities and is- County high schools for the past sev- (Continued on Page 7)

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BALITAAN American University in Washington, Appeal for funds D.C. Fighting algebra Following early work in local elec- is stimulating tion campaigns and on Capitol Hill, and expenses As of mid-October, when this issue of Steve had a long and varied career as a Balitaan was being prepared, 115 in- survey statistician in both the public Jeffrey de Lumen of Albay is a me- dividual supporters had contributed a (the Bureau of the Census, the Energy chanical engineering major at Bicol total of $8,862 to the appeal in Sep- Information Administration) and pri- University. tember for “stimulus funds.” vate sectors. . Algebra has challenged me the most. This support is gratifying and demon- Since retiring in 2007, Steve has been We had one of the most prominent strates that PCAFPD supporters rec- a substitute teacher in high schools and professors in the College of Engineer- ognize the importance of the founda- done some statistical consulting. In ing. Every time he entered our class- tion’s work and understand that chal- addition, he has served in a variety of room, the whole class fell into deep lenging economic times here in the elected offices (including treasurer) for silence. I hoped he wouldn’t call on U.S. should not require bright, deserv- an elementary school PTA, his home- me, but when he ing young Filipinos to defer their owners association, a professional as- did, I managed to dreams of getting an education that sociation and his synagogue. solve problems on will allow them to break the cycle of the blackboard. But poverty for themselves and their Steve and his wife, Anita, live in the worst of it was families. Burke, Virginia.. We are most happy to that even if I an- Many of those who responded to the have him join the Board. swered the problem September appeal also made contribu- correctly, he was tions in response to the spring issue of not satisfied until Balitaan. Your continued response to Three new grads he heard the best both our special and regular appeals is explanation for the vital to our goal of sustaining the bring total to 115 solution – and usually I failed to ex- foundation’s mission both this year plain it so well. and for years to come. Three PCAFPD As a result, my study habits were en- scholars have earned hanced; I wanted always to be pre- their degrees, bring- pared. I learned algebra not from him Foundation names ing the total number but because of him – and proved to of Foundation gradu- myself that self-discovered knowledge new Treasurer ates since 1987 to lasts longer than that simply given. 115. My greatest obstacle in pursuing my The new graduates (Continued from Page 6) education is financial need. Sometimes (pictured in order I have to work on weekends to earn Bukidnon (Mindanao) Normal School from the top): where he taught New Math (when it money for school days and because of was new). His pri- that I sometimes lack time for study- – Ailyn Acosta of ing. My mother can’t help because she mary assignment Palawan, Secondary was in the Labora- had to send my younger brother to Education, Western school, too, It’s really hard to work tory Elementary Philippines Univer- School associated and study at the same time, especially sity, Aborlan, Pala- with difficult subjects. But I remain with the Normal wan. School, but he also strong and take all this as a challenge for me and an opportunity to grab. taught classes in the – John Paul Lagod Normal School and Although it would take me five more of Zamboanga del years to graduate, at least I know what the Provincial High Norte, Agriculture, School and con- I want to do in the future and how I am Mindanao State going to meet my responsibilities to ducted workshops Stephen Dienstfrey University, Marawi throughout the province. my nation. Especially because the City, Lanao del Sur Philippines lies at the bottom of Steve, a native of Omaha, spent his neighboring Asian countries in terms high school and college years in Or- – Catherine Tu- of economic and political conditions. I ange County, Calif., and got his under- maob of Aklan, Ac- want to do my best to promote the graduate degree and one of his two countancy, Garcia welfare of all Filipinos and I know that master’s degrees at Cal State Long College of Technol- education is one of the most important Beach. He also has an MBA from ogy, Kalibo, Aklan ways to really make a difference.

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BALITAAN

Contributions from our generous supporters

We thank those listed below whose contributions to PCAFPD were received between April 25 & October 25, 2009. Numbered contributions are designated : (1) for Maureen Carroll Scholarship Fund; (2) in honor of Group 13B; (3) in memory of Paul Lampert; (4) in memory of Ed Adriano; (5) in honor of Margarita de la Cerna Larrazabal; (6) in memory of Barry Fitzgerald; (7) in memory of Eunice Kennedy Shriver; (8) in memory of Mildred Grant & Jim Stuehling; (9) for Rachel Singer Memorial Scholarship; (10) in memory of Roger Flather; (11) in memory of Alice Waters Spring; (12) in memory of Pam Johnstone Moguet; (13) in memory of Ron Wilcox (Gr. 13); (14) in memory of John Cort; (15) for Sunshine Gibbs’ Group 3 Scholarship Fund; (16) in memory of Joanne Jorz 65-69; (17) in memory of Judith Granada, Science Coordinator, Cadiz, ; and (18) in memory of Inday Mapang.

+The plus identifies those who made more than one contribution since the last list of contributors was reported. The list includes contributions made in response to the September “stimulus appeal” and contributions made with NPCA membership renewals.

John Albanese OH Cagayan 68-71 Phyllis Flattery (7) OH Catanduanes 61-63 Chuck Alexander VA Davao & Cebu 73-75 Lawrence Fuchs CA Country Director 61-63 Wally Allen (1) AZ Camarines Sur 61-63 Barbara Gaerlan CA Friend of PCAFPD Richard & Heather Ames NH Negros Occ. 68-70 Stanley C. Garnett VA Mountain 62-64 Jeff Amundsen MN Negros Occ.l 83-85 Donald Gilman TX Manila 70-73 Dave Baden MN Benguet 89-90 Norma Braden Gilman TX Sorsogon 65-67 Pamela Groteluschen Bansbach CO Cagayan 64-66 Tracy Gleason CA Manila 67-69 Stephen Banta Manila Aklan & Rizal 67-70 Arlene Goldberg + VA Zamboanga del N. 66-68 Dave Barnstable MD Isabela 62-64 John T. Gorman GU Benguet 82-85 Connie Bauer SD Laguna 63-65 David W. Grant (8) DC Tarlac 81-83 David H. Beckler (2) TN Batangas 64-66 Jon Gresley CA 68-70 Pamela Cohelan Benson DC Quezon 63-65 William Grifenhagen NC Metro Manila 67-69 Jane Bensinger DE 1985-1987 George Grills Canada Baguio 1963-1965 Terri Lee Bergman VA Cebu 82-84 Dan & Ana Gudahl (4) AR Aklan etc. 81-84 Yvette G. Berkman NY Panay 1990 Bob Hale OH Zamboanga del S. 62-64 Norman Bernson MA Cagayan de Oro 64-66 Steven D. Hall IL Ilocos Sur 82-84 Linda Cover Bigelow France Iloilo 61-63 Marla Handy & Josh Dein WI 1979-1981 Olive & Thomas Blackburn FL Batanes 1986 Ben Harvey CT Laguna 67-69 Michael Blaylock CA Pangasinan 78-80 Jerry Hembd WI Albay 73-75 Ben Bloom OH Ilocos Norte 78-82 Jo Ann Hillje Hersh VA Lanao del Sur 62-64 Samuel L. Boglio VA Bataan 66-67 Judy Swigost Hill (9) FL Iloilo 64-66 Kenneth Bollerud + NY Misamis Or. 63-66 Gerald & Marie Hilliard CT Nueva Ecija 70-72 Emery & Annie Bontrager CA Camarines N 61-63 William R. Holman CA Friend of PCAFPD Ruth Boone + KY Capiz 61-62 Mark Holt + DC Tarlac 82-84 Al Bradford + MD Aklan 61-64 Dr. Richard Holtzman MA Capiz 61-63 Anthony J. Brancato + NC Bulacan 66-1969 Jonathan M. Hubchen LA Bohol 83-85 Dave Brandt MD Bataan 87-89 Donna Strobridge Ianni VT Baguio City 67-69 Morton Braunstein OH Ozamiz City 66-68 Clyde & Eva Ingle NC Zamboanga del S. 62-64 Marilyn Lathrop Brown + MO Lanao del N. 62-64 Veneeth Iyengar LA NPCA Member John Buckstead HI Ifugao 62-64 Loisann Jacovitz CA Group 52, 1972-1974 Rosemary Campbell Canada Isabela 64-66 Steve Jasper + IN Agusan 1967-1969 Gerald Capozzalo NJ Davao del Sur 66-68 Jeff Jenks MI Davao del Sur 62-64 Bruce Casey SD 1983 Heidi Jensen OR Ilocos Sur 85-87 Benny & Carol Cespedes TX PVCs in Pakistan 61-63 Joe Jerardi (10) PA Isabela 62-64 Patricia A. Charles NV Cebu 74-76 Pat Joslyn Johnson IA Camarines Sur 61-63 Marnee Chua CA 1997-2000 Joyce E. Johnston Canada 1965-1967 Linda Miller Clark + MA Mountain 64-66 Lee & Kay Jones VT Isabella 62-67 Bill Combs MD 1966-1968 Raj Joshi WA Bukidnon 82-84 Kathryn J. Conway NY Negros 61-63 Jack D. Jourdain FL Cebu 65-66 Helen R. Cooper (3) + MA Leyte 81-83 Pat M. Kasdan (11) DC Iloilo 61-63 Susan R. Cort NM Biliran/Leyte 80-83 Charles Kaza MI Bohol 65-67 Pera & Margo Daniels NV Camarines N. 61-63 Mary C. Kilgour + FL Surigao del Sur 62-64 Judy Kealey Diaz FL Agusan del N. 78-81 Ralph & Mary Kemphaus OH City 65-67 Stephen J. Dienstfrey + VA Bukidnon 65-67 Rob Kim CA Negros Oriental 69-73 Tom Dillon MA Batangas/Laguna 67-70 Mark & Mirasol Kittrell IL Suriago City 01-03 Bill Donohue (4) NJ Iloilo 81-83 Lon Kramer VA La Union 67-69 Sally Glaze Douglas (5) WA Leyte 64-67 Eve Juliano NC Albay 1964-1966 George T. Duncan NM Lanao del Sur 65-67 Annette Lambert CA Mindoro 87-89 William K. Dustin MN Nueva Ecija 66-68 Judith Lesner (9) + CA Oriental Mindoro 63-66 Bruce Falk IL Bulacan 67-69 Stephen M. Limon MA Batangas 68-70 Adelia C. Fallar NC Friend of PCAFPD Jay Litt + FL Aklan 69-71 John & Mary Finegan CA 1979-1981 Maryann Lohrey (12) NY Friend of PCAFPD Ruth Coder Fitzgerald (6) VA Cagayan 67-68 Denise Conley Lionetti MD Sorsogon 76-79

8 BALITAAN

Tom Lionetti MD Pangasinan 76-79 Nick & Ruth Royal (15) CA Paney & Samar 62-64 Geraldine J. Maiatico + CA Batangas 66-68 Karen Olness Rudio MA Pangasinan 83-85 Mary Malone MI 1962-1965 Jill Ruhlman GA Laguna 66-68 Jerry Malovany VA La Union 62-63 Romeo & Nancy Salar MI Romblon 95-97 Bob Manlove CA Zamboanga Sur 64-66 Marianne Santo Domingo CT Marinduque 63-65 Ruth Manlove CA Misimis Occidental 67-69 Roberta Potter Savage NY Misimis Occidental 62-64 Desiree M.C. Marmita (3) NY Leyte Mary Ann & Jim Scheirer NJ Iloilo/Lanao del Sur 63-66 Cathee Robb Marston (13) FL Cebu 64-66 Martin Scherr DC Cotobato/Manila/Ilocos 62-64 Carole Mathews + MA Mintel, Davao 66-68 Allen & Lilia Schlorff IN 1969-1974 Marilyn Maze MD Marbel 69-71 Rich & Barbara Schneider AZ Palawan 74-77 Mary Christine McCarthy OH Sorsogon 80-82 Roger Schneiderwind OH Negros Oriental 63-64 Ray McEachern FL Camarines Sur 61-63 Brenda Brown Schoonover NC Camarines Sur 61-63 J. Mark McDowell MO Negros Occidental 68-70 Jesse Schubert + WA Camarines Norte 01-03 Sarah Wilkinson McMeans + DC Cebu 62-64 Charles F. Schwartz (16) DC Manila 67-69 William L. Mehlhoff OR Capiz 61-63 J. Mike Shafer + WA Davao del Sur 80-82 Pamela & Eric Melby MD Iloilo 72-75 Clair Sharpless CT Negros Occidental 61-63 Jane Petrich Miller + MO Bohol 75-78 Tom Sharpless CT Masbate/Albay 61-63 Dr. Barbara Mitchell PA Camarines Sur 61-63 Bruce & Barbara Sims MT Nueva Ecija/Los Banos 72-75 Harve Mogul FL Misamis Occidental 64-66 Sandy Sinclair MD Ilocos Norte 83-86 Loretta Moser CA Luzon 01-02 Claire Horan Smith + MD Camarines Sur 61-63 Joyce Mary Moses VA Cotabato 62-64 Don Smith IL Leyte 61-63 Lucille Muldoon WI Camarines Norte 89-90 Michael K. Smith CA Cebu 78-80 Ted Nawalinski + PA Sorsogon 65-67 Ann Snuggs + DC Negros Occidental 61-63 Jerry & Iris Nelson + CA Staff 1971-1978 Barbara & Ed Soohoo CA 1961-1963 Tim Noe FL La Union 2003 Karen Steele NY Lanao del Sur 65-67 Marcie Lafair Obstfeld NY Iloilo 80-82 Tim & Eden Stewart + SC Antique 84-86 Jerry Y. Ogawa TN Manila 70-74 Terry Sthymmel + CA Sorsogon 72-74 Mike Ollinger DC Iloilo 82-84 Milburn Stone CT South Cotobato 65-68 Bill Peck + GA Quezon/Rizal 63-65 Donna Taylor (17) NY Negros Occidental 68-70 Lilia & Ron Peters IL Sorsogon 61-63 Susan & Rey Tejada MD Manila 68-70 Mary L. Piepmeier OH Lanao del Sur 64-66 Chuck Thomas + CA Quezon City 78-80 Susan Pons PA Compostela Valley 66 Ralph B. Thomas CA Negros Oriental 61-63 Herbert A. Probasco CO Ilocos Sur 62-64 Geraldine Traina (18) FL Bohol 62-64 Mary Procyk CT Basilan 65-67 Virginia Cyboski Trinidad VA Cebu 65-67 Michael J. Purcell IL Benguet 85-87 Walter R. Turner NC Manila 65-67 Bob Purdy + NC Zamboanga Norte 70-72 Marie K. Tymrak AZ Bicol 70-72 Barbara Walsh Rabin NY 1964-1966 William Valentine MA Legaspi & Tondo 68-70 Stephen Rathmill MA Cotobato 68-70 Mary Herbert Vanderford + MN 1969-1971 Barbara Rang WI Zamboanga Norte 67-69 Cris & Guia Villapando NC Friend of PCAFPD Deborah & David Rector CA Lanao del Sur 64-66 Stephen Wahlstrom CA Palawan 76-78 Alan & Adela Renninger HI Rizal 65-68 Michael F. Walsh VA Central Luzon 81-84 Michael & Rufina Rice (12) RI Pangasinan 81-85 Ann Walter MN Cebu 70-72 Rona Roberts KY Camarines Sur 73-75 Bill & Jay Warren WA Albay/Zamboanga 61-63 Larry Robertshaw AZ Davao 64-67 Joan C. Weaver NH Batanes 92-95 David E. Robichaud SC 1981-1984 Carol Westerlund IL Catanduanes 66-69 Michael & Betchie Robotham HI 1988-1990 Alan & Patricia White MA Luzon 63-67 Paul A. Rodell (14) GA Zambales/Manila 68-71 Holman White MD Camarines Sur/Bicol 65-68 Diane Rodill DC Sorsogon 85-87 Linda M. Wicks, Ph. D. + NY Albay 66-69 Karen Rohter HI Leyte 67-69 Dave & Hermie Wilder + PA Albay 83-87 William Romaine NY Friend of PCAFPD Raymond H. Woods KS Negros Occidental 65-66 Lesley & Alex Romero NC Laguna 73-76 Duncan & Susan Yaggy NC Albay/Leyte/Ilocos Norte 61-63 Eudora K. Roseman PA Cagayan 68-70 Dan & Erica Zell VA Leyte 99-00

Corrections to Spring 2009 issue: ●The e-mail address for Steve and Nancy Rye (Laguna/Manila 1970-1974) is [email protected]. (The Ryes had their three daughters with them when they served in Peace Corps and are interested in other families’ experiences.) ● Anne Wilson’s contribution was for the Maureen Carroll Scholarship Fund.

News briefs and milestones . . . ■ John T. Gorman (Benguet 82-84; Salaysayan Editor 85) and his wife Fides are living happily on the tiny isle of Guam, conveniently located only 3.5 hrs from the Philippines. John is the Federal Public Defender, overseeing a small but zealous staff, defending indigent clients charged with criminal offenses. ■ Dan & Ana Gudahl (Aklan, etc. 81-84) report that their daughter is a Peace Corps trainee in the Dominican Republic. Dan is just back from Nepal, Bangladesh & Thailand, where he was a conference speaker for ECHO (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization). ■ Joyce Mary (Muellner) Moses (Cotabato 62-64), who served in Midsayap, reports that currently, and for the past 20 years, she has been teaching in the Fairfax, VA, public school system. She has two children, one of whom just graduated from George Mason University Law School. ■ Erica Ruhl Zell (Leyte 99-00) says: “We just had our 2nd child – Mia Claire!” ■ Bruce & Barbara Sims (Nueva Ecija 72-75) report that their son is now an RPCV from Bulgaria.

9 BALITAAN Scholar visits Foundation Board

Marlon Pura, first row at left, paid a visit to a PCAFPD Board meeting this spring while he was studying in the U.S. on a Fulbright scholarship. From Sorsogon, he is a politi- cal science major at UP Diliman. To his right are Sarah Wilkinson McMeans, vice president for database management, and Louvenia Bright, wife of Bill Bright, member at large. Standing, from left, are Bright, Carol Hammaker Radomski, vice president for student affairs; Dave Brandt, member at large; Maureen Carroll, president; Stuart Taylor, treasurer (succeeded now by Ste- phen Dienstfrey), Tim O'Brien and Mark Holt, members at large; and David McMeans, husband of Sarah McMeans.

PCAFPD Board President: Maureen Carroll (Sorsogon 1961-63); Vice President/Philippines: Roland de Jesus; Vice President/U.S. and Webmaster: Carol Hammaker Radomski (Batanes 1980-83); Treasurer: Stephen Dienstfrey (Mindanao 1965-67); Secretary: Mike Ollinger (Iloilo 1982-84); Vice President, Database Management: Sarah Wilkinson McMeans (Cebu 1962-64); Vice President, Student Affairs: Carol Hammaker Radomski (Batanes 1980-83) Vice President, Communications: Deane Wylie (Albay & Masbate 1961-63); Vice President, Institutional Relations: Hans Groot (Negros Occidental & Laguna, 1961-64); Board Members at Large: Dave Brandt, (Bataan 1987-89); William Bright (Manila 1965-67; APCD 1998-2000; Country Director 2000-03); Mark Holt (Tarlac 1982-84);Geraldine Maiatico (Batangas 1966-68; APCD 2000-2005); Tim O'Brien (Sorsogon, 2000-02); Ron Peters (Sorsogon 1961-63); Alex Romero; Mi- chelle Slavin (Negros Oriental 2001-03)

Peace Corps Alumni Foundation for Philippine Development PO Box 100114 Arlington, VA 22210

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